EU-SDGN II, Media, Harp On Rebuilding Trust In Nigeria’s Electoral Process.
By Ferdinand Olise
The International Press Center, IPC, has emphasised the importance of rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process, electoral institutions, and elections.
The Executive Director, International Press Center, Mr Lanre Arogundade, stated this in Abuja, Monday, at the IPC’s presentation of report on the media-led nation-wide dialogue series on rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process, electoral institutions and elections, and strategic signing of Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU), between IPC, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, (GOCOP), on creating the enabling environment for the impactful reporting of elections in the context of inclusivity and the public interest.
According to Mr Arogundade, the report on rebuilding trust represented a synthesis of the Center’s media-led multi-stakeholder dialogues conducted across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones between 2023 and 2025.
“The engagements were convened under Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) project of which IPC is the lead partner.
The dialogues provided a platform for diverse stakeholders to exchange views and build consensus on strategies to restore public confidence in electoral institutions and processes”, he said.
He said the engagements were convened under Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, (EU-SDGN II) project, of which the Center is the lead partner.
He also highlighted the importance of election gender-sensitive reporting, and urged women to stand to their responsibility in the political space, and work for the good of the nation.
The MOU seeks to establish performance benchmarks aimed at enhancing accountability and professional standards in media reporting, particularly on gender-related electoral issues, and campaign commitments.
The dialogues provided a platform for diverse stakeholders to exchange views and build consensus on strategies to restore public confidence in electoral institutions and processes.
In a welcome address, on behalf of the International Press Centre, (IPC), the Programme Manager, IPC, Stella Nwofia, said the strategic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the IPC, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), aims to foster an enabling environment for impactful, inclusive, and public-interest-driven election reporting, enhance accountability and professional standards, particularly in the coverage of gender-related electoral issues and campaign commitments.
In his goodwill message, the Director General, National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, stressed that democracy survives where trust is at its core, where citizens trust electoral process, and participate. He noted that this action strengthens institutions and gives way to peace, stability and development.
“Today, we are reminded that democracy is not just about elections, it is about confidence in the system, confidence in the institutions that manage it, and confidence that every vote counts and truly matters.
“At the National Orientation Agency, we are fully committed to rebuilding and strengthening this trust. Our mandate is simple but crucial: to deepen civic consciousness, promote national unity, and empower citizens with the knowledge and values that sustain democracy.
In line with this, we are implementing key national programmes that support electoral credibility and civic trust, including: The National Values Charter, which reinforces patriotism, integrity, accountability, and respect for due process; Civic and Voter Education programmes across communities, schools, and grassroots structures nationwide; The Citizens’ Brigade initiative, designed to promote civic vigilance, responsible citizenship, and value-driven community engagement; The Democracy & Citizenship Education Framework, strengthening citizens’ understanding of democratic rights and responsibilities; and our nationwide Fight Against Fake News and misinformation campaign”, he said.
He said that this is a critical effort in combating narratives that weaken electoral trust and democratic legitimacy, noting that these initiatives are deliberate investments in rebuilding the social contract between citizens and the Nigerian state.
“However, government cannot do this alone. The media remains a central actor in shaping public perception, guiding civic discourse, and safeguarding democratic trust. Platforms like this dialogue are vital in bridging gaps, correcting misinformation, and strengthening accountability.
“We must work together government, media, civil society, and citizens to rebuild confidence in our institutions and our democracy. The future of our nation depends on it.
“On behalf of the National Orientation Agency, I applaud the International Press Centre for spearheading this process. We stand ready to continue partnering with you and other strategic stakeholders to advance civic responsibility, promote national values, and ensure that our democracy grows deeper and stronger.
“Let us continue to build a Nigeria where trust is earned, where every vote counts, and where every citizen believes in the promise of our democracy”, he added.
On her part, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), said Women Journalists, in particular, bring perspectives of fairness and human impact to political reporting, but stressed that the challenges identified are Persistent gender bias in political reporting and representation., Disinformation campaigns that target female candidates or journalists.
The Association therefore called for Media Reforms to strengthen ethical standards and gender balance in newsroom leadership, Civic Education: Partner with INEC, civil society, and schools to promote informed voting, among other demands.
